This is one of the best trucks I've ever owned. It's a true classic and the newer versions don't even come close to matching it's character and ruggedness.
The 5.2 Liter Magnum V8 delivers everything you'd want from a pickup truck engine. It is an absolute powerhouse, and allows for impressive acceleration compared to larger Dodge pickups. Not only does it have considerable power, but it delivers decent fuel economy and a wonderful classic V8 rumble.
The transmission is the original 4 speed automatic. It's not the smoothest shifting transmission by any means, but it certainly is durable. The original transfer case can be a bit un-cooperative sometimes, but the 4 wheel drive still works great when engaged. Overall the mechanical components of the truck may experience normal wear and tear, but still function as expected, and that's whats most important.
Though most of the critical parts are original and in good working order, there are components that may give you trouble. Aside from basic maintenance, we've replaced radiators, ball joints, brake lines, fuel pumps, and a rear axle. There's never an absence of inexpensive parts however, so overall repair costs should stay low, especially if you fix things yourself.
The overall design of the truck is simplistic. The exterior is very square-like and lacks any impressive curves or body lines, not that you need them. The LE receives a chrome grille and chrome bumpers, as well as large chrome mirrors. You may want to steer clear of the Bright White paint if you are considering buying one of these trucks, as that paint is prone to peeling.
The interior is just as minimalist looking as the exterior, but the LE features power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and tilt steering, all of the basic convenience features that you need. All of the original electronics function as they should, and the AC still blows ice cold. The dashboard has a convenient storage tray, and slide out cup holders.
The factory AM /FM stereo has a cassette player, but isn't anything special, we've long since replaced it with a newer Sony single din unit. The factory speakers do sound pretty good, but for a truly rich audio experience, you may want to replace those as well.
The seats are incredibly soft and comfortable, even on long trips. Though the back seat has sparse leg room. Under the back seats you'll find some storage areas and your jack.
As far as interior wear is concerned, the dashboard is prone to cracking if continuously exposed to bright sunlight, and this may cause the rear view mirror to become detached from the windshield as well. You are better off parking in the shade. The fuel gauge also only sometimes works. Besides that, and some minor scuffs, the interior is in good shape and really well put together.
We've used this truck as a daily driver, but also have done some serious off-roading in it. In either case, the truck never left us stuck or stranded, and always kept on kicking. Overall, the 1992 Dodge Dakota is affordable, decent on gas, and built like a truck should be, couldn't be more satisfied with it.

I love that my four-wheel drive has some gumption. I can climb any slick surface (I live in Colorado foothills) without slippage, and I love that the truck has a bench seat in front, like any good truck I remember from my childhood. Handles fairly well, minus the turn radius (parking lots can take some time), but does great in crawling. Good size bed, can transport most any piece of furniture or project material without having to attach a flag or leave the gate down. Easy to work on for the most part, the engine compartment is nice and roomy. Not a lot of busted knuckles. The oil filter is buried, though, and makes doing the most basic form of maintenance, an oil change, a bit of a project; easy to get under the truck without having to jack it up, on the other hand.
Back seats are a joke, but who else has a truck that can legally seat 6 inside?
Overall, this truck is a great truck. Parts are cheap and plentiful, easy to work on, useful as all get-out, and a pleasure to own and drive. I would not recommend seating six for more than thirty minutes, but I imagine that it would be great to drive a distance if it were only you or you and a friend. Easy to drive if your 5' 6" or taller, and virtually no blind spots, since you sit higher than the majority of the vehicle.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Pros:
Sturdily built, solid construction in steel, not much plastic to snap and break loose. Good old fashioned American truck. Mid-sized, so not too hard to park or to maneuver through traffic.

Cons:
Horrendous turn-radius. Three-point turns are now my specialty. Just above economy grade, so not a lot of options for those who like to remain comfortable.

Great, Dependable, Sturdy Truck —
i love everything about this truck the handling the braking the size. Just because it is a small truck does not necessarily mean that it cannot handle heavy tasks on its own i was amazed that it lasted me the 2 years i have owned it and it has not lost its power....except for the fact that i wrecked with minor cosmetic damage to my knowledge it is still running, IT IS A VERY DEPENDABLE TRUCK!

Great Work Truck And Great Off Road Vehivle —
truck is awesome for its year ,,tremendouse factory power. great for hauling heavy loads or towing water craft. 4x4 awesome traction good off road not rough ride as most 4x4 pretty smooth off road.sound system is compatible for oem system, storage in interior is spacouse for a truck .nice storage under rear seats.

Pros:
super fast for pick-up / its as if your driving a corvette the power is there / so much of it ,it will spin tire in 4th gear at 65mph from the factory, handle great no body roll in corners,

Cons:
so much power the wheels dont hook up just spin, easy to slide out in the rain(no traction0 in water/ hard clutch peddle takes effort to drive/ low geared in first excessive road noise/ but not overly load managable.

Pretty Damn Nice For The Age —
it moves around nicely, might not be the prettiest
or the fastest but also rides nice and the stereo
slams, nice and comfortable for someone 6 ft and
under and gets pretty decent mileage especially on
the high way also has a nice tight turn radius and
no blind spots.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Pros:
gets you where you need to be and can handle medium hauling tasks

My Little Gas Suckin Work Horse —
she runs great she pulls what i ask and it fits in my tiny driveway i hate filling the tank but it is worth it for the work it does.. i have all the cap. of a full size in a truck that still fits my driveway

Its A Great Beginners Car —
brakes ok acceleration was good 5 years ago i like the aperance gets good gas mileage very little maintenance its very fun to bomb around on its a great all around truck to drive with altho its lacking in some respect

Black Dodge —
The Dodge was a black truck with red pinstripes. He was really good looking when cleaned up. He stayed that way for several minutes and then showed dust and dirt.
The Dodge pulled an amazing amount of weight. The brakes frequently went out, so pulling the trailer with no brakes was always exciting, but it usually went ok.
Lots of power, but only in a straight line. The Dodge did not turn for anything.

Jacob Proffer - 92 Dakota 3.9 Le —
160k and running strong holds up great I have had it since 90k and the oem water pump started seeping at 145k and a two sets of tires later It has been from co to ca more than once and out east now in DC

Reviews From Other Years

Good Truck For The MoneyBy Saomiguelazores

Good midsize truck,spacious inside,decent looks,good powerful engine so far nothing went wrong yet,just change oil,gas and its ready to go.
Cons seems very light on the back the tires slip when i star...
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A Good Daily Driver For Light JobsBy Cory

This is a great truck for light jobs such as moving appliances. It handles great for a truck and it is fun to drive. It is a bit under powered at 210 bhp and with a 4-speed automatic its not getting m...
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2008 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab.By Richard

I like the truck because it serves the purpose I bought it for, and still has some nice amenities. The only thing I would have enjoyed more about it was a 5 speed manual transmission, but they are pre...
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Great Clean, Dependable, Flame Read,pick-up.By Grandpa7

I like the ability to be able to run in 2 wheel drive most of the time and have the ability to get into 4 wheel when the snow blows. Great looking truck with the SXT strips and decal on the side. ...
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Best Truck Ever!By eells

We love this truck! We had no trouble hauling our children around, even in heavy snow. It has done everything we expected. The gas mileage wasn't pleasant, but it's a truck... what else would you e...
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Work And Family Truck. By hombretto

I am overall satisfied with this truck. It was great for family outings as well for carrying and hauling materials to work. The sporty dodge look will catch the eye. Paint and shine is still strong. T...
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Nice Truck Wish It Didn't Have The Transmission ProblemsBy Megan

great performance, build could be better been in the shop twice for the
transmission love the appearance of both the exterior and interior gas guzzles like
no ones business. It is fun to drive th...
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Great Midsize Truck Overall For The PriceBy Danielo00

One thing that I liked about this truck is that it looks great. Another thing that I like is that this midtruck feels like I was driving a much larger truck. The truck has a strong engine and is rel...
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I'm trying to get spare off and it won't be lowered to the ground as the manual says. Otherwise it is OK Just 69,000 miles. Front wheel drive went last year. Replaced this year under warranty. Lo...
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